Making a Split Grip???

[-Joe-]

I just bought a 7'11" XH Falcon Cara for an unbeliveable price. My only problem is it has a full grip on it. Since I bought my first split grip that is all that I use now, but the deal on the Falcon just couldn't be passed up. Has anyone ever tried to cut a full grip down to a split with any success and still make it look good?

Thanks,
Joe

[docav]

i have seen it done several times. you can line it up with another handle about the same length and mark it off. add about 1/2-3/4". use a light sand paper to smooth it out. you will also need to clean up the area where you remove the cork with a light solvent. doug

[bassindude]

Be careful not to score the blank with the blade or you will create a week spot.  Good luck, Jim

[Baron49]

I have to ask.....   What is the big deal with split grip handles?  I have two rods that came with split grips and am not really thrilled with the split grips.  Love the rods, but the handles are a bit too small for my big hands.

[docav]

i never hold the handle while reeling. i have my hand on the reel seat and around the reel. while casting i have one hand on the rod butt and other on the reel. the middle section of the handle is really never used. take that part of the cork off and loose the extra weight. doug

[-Joe-]

i never hold the handle while reeling. i have my hand on the reel seat and around the reel. while casting i have one hand on the rod butt and other on the reel. the middle section of the handle is really never used. take that part of the cork off and loose the extra weight. doug

I also reel while holding the reel seat but while casting I will grip the middle section on most of my rods, depending on rod. Some handles are longer than others by different manufactors.

Love the rods, but the handles are a bit too small for my big hands.

I'm just the opposite. I am a little lanky fellow. Grabbing a full grip rod to me feels like grabbing a shovel handle. I think its more of personal preference than anything.

Joe

[Baron49]

the middle section of the handle is really never used. take that part of the cork off and loose the extra weight. doug

You are aware you are talking saving only a few grams of weight right?.....  

Was looking to see if there was any truely practical reason for having split grips other then it is the last fad in selling rods?

[docav]

well a fad to me is something that last a short time. split grip rods have been around awhile and IMO wont go away anytime soon. as far as weight of course it isnt like your knocking off pounds but with most high end rods and now even lower end rods only weighing 3-5oz being able to knock of close to an oz just in the middle by removing the cork is a bonus. i will weigh one of my Duckett split grips vs one of the Duckett "B" series full grips and let you know how much of a difference it makes. they are exactly the same rod except the handle. doug

[gillrod2728]

You are aware you are talking saving only a few grams of weight right?.....  

Was looking to see if there was any truly practical reason for having split grips other then it is the last fad in selling rods?

For the split grip being around for a few years now doesn't seem like its a fad looks more like one of the best achievements to happen to fishing poles. This year purchased some new St.Croix Rods two Mojo Bass with split grip and a St. Croix Triumph with full handle. After fishing with them all I took the Triumph back for another Mojo because the Solid handle was uncomfortable and I realize I am so much more accurate and comfortable on the water all day in a tourney throwing the split grips. I have big hands and the mojo rods do not have much cork but it doesn't bother me at all. I hold the reel when I reel in so why would you need all that cork? Most people reel this way. I have fished full handles since I was a little kid and wish the split grips would have been around then.

[gillrod2728]

You can definitely do this to your rod but if you do it wrong your rod will snap where you removed the cork. I asked this question earlier this year and had a decent instructions sent to me through here but in the end it was more work then I wanted to do plus I didn't want to do it wrong and screw up a good rod. So if you do it get good info on how to and take your time.

[-Joe-]

I ended up finding someone that traded me a Ducket MicroMagic rod for it.

Joe

[islandbass]

I've done it to two of my rods, one spinning and the other casting.


Rapala Spinning Rod


Middle phase


Done.


Berkley Lightning Casting Rod





Nice trade. It definitely saved you some elbow grease.

[-Joe-]

Those turned out nice. Looks like the shaft under the old cork cleaned up nice, thats the area I was concerned about.

Joe